US Department of Labor announces grant to help West Virginians cover health insurance payments while seeking re-employment

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $202,395 National Emergency Grant to assist about 70 workers affected by the closure of a Whirlpool Corp. manufacturing facility in Benton Harbor, Mich.

"The Department of Labor is working to get America back to work by providing job seekers the skills necessary to land the good-paying jobs of the future," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Ensuring these manufacturing workers in Michigan can access the career counseling and employment services needed to enter new jobs in promising industries is the right thing to do for them, for their families and for our economy."

Awarded to the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth, this grant will be operated by the organization Michigan Works! The grant will provide the dislocated workers, all of whom are also certified as eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance, with access to intensive services that are not available through the TAA program, such as peer support mentoring.

Layoffs at the Whirlpool facility began in August 2010 and will continue through April 2011.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit http://www.doleta.gov/NEG/.